clint clinton, which is why the republicans wanted to put this forward, he proposed this back in november of last year, testified before a committee here. and he said that this is generally the plan that should go in place. so what these republicans aides who briefed us on this are saying is they decided not to go ahead and respond to the white house offer, which they brought up last week and, remember, republicans said was not serious. instead of responding to that with what republicans have long pushed, for example, the paul ryan budget, they decided to go with this, which is in the words of one staffer, a plan that everybody detests. so they want to start with a framework that nobody likes because that way they each side will maybe be able to give a little bit more. this is definitely a big move, because the republicans are -- democrats said the ball was in their court. they obviously agreed. they're sending a proposal back to the president right now. >> message received. let me give you a moment to catch your breath and thank you as we're hearing stand by. we're getting this counterpr